Topics YOU Want Energy Central to Focus On: Poll Results

Good to see the interest in Grid Model Data Management although it didn't make the winner cut. Since it underlies several of the topics on that list as well as being related to the digital twin topic I would like to see it moved up into the winner's circle and would be glad to help out as needed.

Eliminate digital currency that is consuming vast amount of electricity. Bitcoin mining already requires more power than the total produced by a few countries. It also has forced China to build more coal power plants so as to be the major Bitcoin mining country.

Adopt new electric AC motor technology, such as EXRO's Coil Driver, that uses an algorithm to create multiple power profiles (high torque or high speed) from the same motor depending upon need. This would make most future electric motors smaller and more efficient.

A lot of great topics for your article focus above, and utilities always do a good job of planning for extended periods.  However, post-COVID life likely still has a few curveballs to throw at long term planning.  If we want to tackle issues that likely will have a tremendous impact on the second half of the year and well into 2022, I'd suggest a few additions.  

How to implement hybrid work solutions  - the cyber security implications and why it's essential to attract the best next generation workforce.  We won't tackle an aging workforce or attract talent with the skills needed in the industry without addressing a remote or hybrid work environment, but the implications for CIOs and CISOs haven't been well documented.

Rising Customer Expectations for Digital Utility Services - during COVID every consumer became a digital customer of their favored brands, and companies that didn't adapt to digital outreach, engagement, and self-service paid a steep price.  According to multiple studies, customers' digital expectations have increased, yet most consumers find fault with utility digital experiences.  How does the utility promote a "digital first" mindset to cope with all of their customers becoming more digitally enabled?

Revenue and Cost Adjustments - the uncertainty about account delinquency and how to deal with the budget and operational impacts doesn't get a lot of press, but it's on the minds of utility teams around the country, large and small.  How can utilities cope with budget challenges by finding new revenue, accelerating programs to save money and reduce operational costs, and deliver services differently to their customers without impacting CSAT and loyalty?

Utilities did a pretty great job adjusting to COVID and getting their workforce enabled for remote work on a temporary basis, but with the country returning to a semblance of normal, the topics above will resonate for how utilities will do business and work with their customers for the immediate term.

Hey Folks,  It is nice to have this poll.  I would recommend looking at the duck curve, and the possibility of finance problems for the utilities.  This has been covered in

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/californias-dilemma-how-to-control-skyr...

The utilities need higher rates to cope with all the things they are supposed to do, as in

https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/02/25/experts-tell-california-public-ut...

and a regular update of what is happening with this, and how it intersects with the desire to build microgrids and encourage distributed generation would be valuable.

J.

Could you please add to the topic the sourcing of carbon credits in particular valuing offshore carbon credits.

Thanks Paul Raftery (Sydney, Australia).